So, the dissidents knew who they were looking for, who they intended to kill.

There is a very clear assessment of the capability of the bomb.

It was "a viable device" and "not amateurish".

"We've had a lot of phone calls this morning from right across the city and beyond, from people expressing their disgust, condemnation and support for what we are doing," district police commander Superintendent Mark McEwan told this newspaper.

"We won't be deterred by this type of attack from what we have to do both in this city and across the service, which is keeping people safe," he added.

The bomb is another reminder of the threat, another wake-up call, an incident that underscores the need for vigilance. Both the dissident IRA and the group Oglaigh na hEireann (ONH) have this bomb-making capability, which can be seen in a calendar of incidents spanning several years.

May 2008: Police officer seriously injured in under-car bomb.

October 2009: Police dog handler targeted in east Belfast. His partner was injured when the device exploded as she reversed the car out of the driveway.